As the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and public health researchers continue to report growing food deserts across the country, local leaders in Everett, Washington, are taking action. Following recent Fred Meyer closures that disrupted neighborhood grocery access, Everett officials are waiving fares on Everett Transit Route 12 for the next six months to help residents reach supermarkets, independent grocers, and community food resources.
The move is designed to make grocery trips easier and more affordable while the city’s retail landscape stabilizes.
For shoppers, pairing the fare-free ride with Youdle’s grocery shopping list tool means confirming which nearby stores have essentials in stock — from produce and meat to baby formula and household basics — before leaving home.
For emergency management teams, the same visibility supports coordinated outreach for seniors, fixed-income families, and neighborhoods hit hardest by limited grocery options.
Local grocers can benefit too by increasing digital visibility, syncing staffing and deliveries with Route 12’s schedule, and promoting timely deals to bus-connected customers. Keeping inventory updated helps shoppers plan their trips and ensures high-demand items stay available.
Together, Everett’s fare-free transit and real-time store insights offer a practical model for maintaining food security and community resilience while long-term retail solutions take shape.
Source: "Everett Offers Six Months Free Grocery Transit After Fred Meyer Closures"